What does a winemaker typically do during the winter, often considered the "slow season"? The specific tasks can vary based on the region, grape varieties, and winemaking styles, but several key activities take center stage.
In the vineyard, the most crucial winter task is pruning the vines. This involves removing all the shoots from the previous growing season, leaving just two that will serve as the new canes for the upcoming year, while also shaping the vines for optimal fruit production. Additionally, trellis maintenance is essential, which includes replacing damaged posts and wires in the trellis system. Frost protection is another important consideration, ensuring the safety of farming equipment and young vines during the cold months.
Meanwhile, in the winery, the winemaker's focus shifts to blending. This process involves combining different lots of wine to achieve the desired flavor profiles. Other tasks include racking—transferring wine from one barrel to another to facilitate aging and remove sediment—topping off barrels to minimize oxidation, and conducting quality control by analyzing wines for acidity, alcohol content, and other parameters.
As if that weren't enough, winemakers also need to market their products during the winter months. This includes preparing orders and selling cases of wine. Just when they think they’ve completed their tasks, it's March, also the ideal time for planting new vines.
The life of a winemaker is characterized by hard work and long, laborious days, but the rewards are truly delightful!
